Governor Bala Mohammed suspends enforcement of livestock right of way Policy.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has ordered the immediate suspension of the enforcement of the state’s livestock right-of-way policy following concerns over the timing and methods adopted in its implementation.
The governor gave the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House, Bauchi, to address concerns surrounding the enforcement of the Executive Order and state legislation establishing designated right-of-way for livestock and other road users.
Governor Bala Mohammed explained that the policy was introduced to reduce clashes between crop farmers and livestock owners, particularly during the farming season.
He said the initiative, which includes the provision of designated cattle routes, was inspired by similar measures adopted in other states aimed at providing a common solution to challenges affecting both crop and livestock farmers.
The Governor, however, expressed concern over the use of chemicals to clear livestock routes, warning that, such methods could harm animals and undermine the objectives of the policy.
He also acknowledged that the timing of the enforcement was inappropriate, as farmers were approaching the harvest period and could suffer losses from the application of chemicals on their farms.
Governor Bala Mohammed accepted responsibility for shortcomings in the implementation, particularly the inadequate sensitisation of stakeholders before enforcement commenced.
He consequently faulted the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BASDP) for failing to adequately communicate the policy to farmers and livestock owners.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Agriculture to immediately halt the implementation and engage relevant stakeholders to determine a more appropriate approach.
He further called for adequate preparation and comprehensive sensitisation of farmers, livestock owners and other stakeholders before any fresh enforcement, possibly from the beginning of the next farming season.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, said the meeting was convened to address complaints concerning both the enforcement of the livestock right-of-way policy and the methods adopted by enforcement personnel.
Aminu Hammayo explained that the policy was backed by an Executive Order and legislation enacted by the Bauchi State House of Assembly, stressing that its primary objective was to promote law and order while ensuring peaceful coexistence among farmers, livestock owners and other road users.
The meeting was attended by representatives of farmers’ and livestock farmers’ associations, traditional institutions, security agencies, as well as relevant government ministries, departments and agencies.